Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) Director Emilio González (right) led a team of MDAD executives on a visit to Israel recently, where among others they met El Al President and CEO David Maimon (left). The team was there to discuss a potential Miami-Tel Aviv route and best practices related to airport operations and security with senior officials from El Al and Tel Aviv Airport. The gathering was the latest in a series of meetings with the Israeli national carrier regarding potential air service opportunities. The airline visited Miami in February 2016, followed by a meeting with MDAD officials four months later at the 2016 IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit in Dublin. “We are extremely grateful for our growing relationship with the leadership teams at El Al and Ben Gurion Airport,” said González. “The lessons learned and information shared was invaluable. Additionally, as El Al considers adding new markets to its network, we appreciate the opportunity to continue discussions toward renewing service between Miami and Tel Aviv – two of the world’s most strategic destinations for air service expansion.”